Bone Cancer

Bone cancer happens when cells in the bones grow in a way they shouldn’t. These cells can form a lump called a tumor. Sometimes tumors in the bone are benign, which means they are not cancer. But when the tumor is malignant, it means it is cancer and can spread to other parts of the body.

Bone cancer can happen in any bone, but it most often affects the arms, legs, and pelvis (hip area). It can happen to both kids and adults, but some types are more common in children and teenagers.

Common Types of Bone Cancer

• Osteosarcoma – The most common type of bone cancer in young people, it usually starts in the long bones of the arms or legs, especially around the knee or shoulder.
• Ewing Sarcoma – A type of bone cancer that often starts in the bones of the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, or spine. It can also grow in the soft tissue around the bones and is most common in children and teens.
• Chondrosarcoma – A type of bone cancer that starts in cartilage, the soft tissue that cushions joints. It is more common in adults than kids and can happen in the arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs.

Signs of Bone Cancer Can Include:

• Pain in a bone that gets worse over time

• Swelling or a lump near the bone

• Trouble moving the arm or leg

• Feeling very tired

• Sometimes, a bone breaks more easily than normal

How Do Doctors Find Bone Cancer?

Doctors use X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy (taking a small piece of the bone) to check for cancer.

More bone cancer resources are found below.